Executive Director of Research Development

Executive Director of Research Development

Working Title: Executive Director of Research Development
Classification: Executive Director, Job Code 9341D1
Appointment: Full-time, Academic Professional & Administrative, Exempt
Salary Range: $155-200k Depending on qualifications
Location: McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis, some flexible work options
Reports to: Associate Vice President for Research
Apply By: May 25th

About the Position:
The Executive Director (ED) will oversee a new Research Development (RD) office housed within the Research and Innovation Office (RIO) at the University of Minnesota (UMN). The RD office will enhance research impact by supporting grant proposals for large-scale interdisciplinary research initiatives, building strategic partnerships, and leading strategic growth initiatives. This office also will administer multiple seed grant programs, matching funds for federal awards, limited submission competitions, and impact awards. The ED role will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and program development to enhance interdisciplinary research and advance research growth in areas of strategic importance within RIO. This position requires a visionary leader with deep experience in research development, interdisciplinary team facilitation, funding strategy, and external engagement. The ED will be responsible for ensuring that UMN is well-positioned to compete for large-scale research funding, support researchers in securing external grants, develop and/or support strategic initiatives, and foster impactful collaborations across academia, industry, nonprofits, NGOs, and government agencies. The ED will serve as a RIO liaison to the Corporate Engagement Center (CEC) and assist the Executive Director of CEC in implementing RIO development efforts. The ED will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to align research development efforts with the university's strategic priorities. This role reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Research Capacity Building and has a dashed report to the Assistant Vice President for External Affairs & Communications to ensure alignment in external engagement, strategic partnership activities, and communication of UMN's research achievements.
Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Planning

* Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Research Development office, integrating efforts, where appropriate, across the functions of the office (e.g., proposal development services, seed grant programs) to maximize institutional research impact.
* Develop and implement a vision and strategic direction for research development, aligning with the RIO's Research 2030 plan and the university's long-term research strategy.
* Lead strategic growth initiatives that enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, external funding opportunities, and faculty research support.
* Identify and track emerging research trends and funding opportunities.
* Develop reports and recommendations for RIO leadership on refining the Research 2030 plan for RIO.
* Align seed programs with the RIO initiatives and Research 2030 vision.
* Develop policies to generate return on investment in seed programs.

Research Advancement and Proposal Support

* Proactively engage faculty to identify large-scale external funding opportunities and facilitate formation of interdisciplinary research teams.
* Work with research leaders to develop competitive strategies for major federal, foundation, and industry funding initiatives.
* Oversee proposal development services, including strategic planning, partner engagement, proposal preparation, broader impacts planning, and program evaluation for large-scale funding applications.
* Direct multiple seed grant programs, matching funds for federal awards, limited submissions competitions, and impact awards with a high degree of integrity and efficiency. Lead efforts to recruit committee chairs and faculty reviewers for prestigious, large grants competitions. Track and analyze the outcomes of funded research advancement programs.

Operational and Financial Oversight

* Manage the financial and operational activities of the RD office, ensuring efficient use of resources and compliance with university policies. Demonstrate clear return on investment in research development activities.
* Oversee budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation for the RD office.
* Develop strategies to secure additional institutional, federal, and philanthropic support for research development initiatives.
* Supervise unit staff, including hiring, professional development, performance management, and team building.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

* Work with the research development advisory board for the RD office, providing insights and recommendations to enhance research development programming.
* Engage with faculty and research leaders to understand institutional research needs and align research advancement efforts accordingly.
* Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including federal agencies, private sector partners, and philanthropic organizations.
* Collaborate with the Corporate Engagement Center (CEC) to strengthen industry partnerships and external funding collaborations.
* Collaborate with the RIO's External Affairs and Communications teams to highlight research successes and increase the visibility of UMN's research achievements.

Required Qualifications

* BA/BS degree and at least 12 years of relevant work experience in research development, strategic partnerships, grant strategy and proposal writing, or other relevant fields.

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's or doctoral degree (e.g., MA, MS, PhD, EdD, JD)
* Experience in a large, complex research institution or an R1 university environment.
* Demonstrated leading efforts to secure large-scale research grants.
* Demonstrated experience managing complex research initiatives, including proposal development, strategic partnerships, and/or interdisciplinary collaborations.
* Deep understanding of federal, state, and/or private funding sources as well as trends in emerging research areas.
* Expertise in reviewing and providing constructive feedback on research proposals, such as service on grant panels.
* Experience supervising and developing staff.
* Ability to effectively communicate research goals and successes to internal and external stakeholders.
* Experience working with diverse internal stakeholders (e.g., deans, department heads, central administration) to support research initiatives across multiple departments or colleges.

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) helps facilitate collaborative research designed to solve our most complex problems. We serve as a central resource for conducting, managing, and sponsoring research at the University of Minnesota and developing and bringing to market UMN innovations that improve people's lives. In addition, RIO offices oversee key areas of research compliance and administration and help to cultivate a culture of research integrity at the University.
RIO is composed of 15 administrative support units including Sponsored Projects Administration, Technology Commercialization, and the Human Research Protection Program, and 12 interdisciplinary academic centers and institutes.

Pay Range: $155-200k depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

To Apply:
The priority deadline for applications is 5/25/2025.

Applications must be submitted online to be considered for this position. For your application to be considered, please include the following attachments with your online application:

* Cover letter
* Resume/Vitae

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).